10.1 State TWO purposes of a supercharger - NSC Mechanical Technology Fitting and Machining - Question 10 - 2017 - Paper 1

1. Superchargers are commonly used in racing cars to maximize engine performance.

2. They are also utilized in four-stroke compression ignition engines in heavy vehicles.

A turbocharger is driven by the exhaust gases from the engine.

• The exhaust gases spin an impeller, which then draws in air into the engine's intake, thereby increasing the amount of air available for combustion.

• As the engine utilizes this additional air, the pressure within the intake manifold increases, resulting in heightened engine power.

• The movement of the impeller is continuous, and any excess exhaust gas powers the turbine, allowing for efficient engine operation while controlling the engine's air intake pressure.

A steam turbine converts thermal energy from steam into mechanical energy.

• Steam at high temperature and pressure is directed through nozzles, which expand the steam and increase its velocity.

• The fast-moving steam strikes blades attached to a rotor, causing it to spin.

• This rotary motion is then harnessed to do work or generate electricity, making steam turbines essential in power generation.

1. Water turbines

2. Gas turbines

3. Wind turbines